Cuba: Its Culture & Its People

Explore Cuba's culture and engage in a unique people-to-people exchange with the National Trust's Cuba: Its Culture & Its People tour. This nine-day experience will tour the Colonial architecture and history of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Old Havana, Cienfuegos, and Trinidad, connect with the fascinating community through meaningful interactions with members integral to Cuban contemporary life, and uncover the vibrant island that inspired Ernest Hemingway's The Old Man and the Sea.

This People-to-People Cultural Exchange is permitted by a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control.

Accommodations
In Havana, National Trust travelers stay at the Hotel Meliá Cohiba, located in the Vedado neighborhood, overlooking the iconic Malecón. While in Cienfuegos and Trinidad, travelers will stay at clean, modest hotels.

Highlights

Tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana and explore iconic landmarks, including Habana Vieja and Calle Obispo

Meet with Miguel Coyula, a representative from UNEAC Commission on the City, Culture and Architecture, to discuss the city’s preservation efforts

Visits to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cienfuegos and Trinidad

Musical performance of the Choir of Cienfuegos

Converse with the art community, including local and International artists, who have found inspiration and absorbed styles in Cuba

A visit to Cojimar, the fishing village that inspired Ernest Hemingway’s The Old Man and the Sea

Guided tours of the Cementerio de Colon, the Corona cigar factory, an organopónico, an urban organic garden, and Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, a private foundation which supports both art and theater projects

Study Leader Information
The program features lectures and informal commentary with a local expert who will add depth and insight throughout the journey

Tour ItineraryFebruary 1 - Saturday
Depart from Miami International Airport on a charter flight to Havana. Upon arrival, enjoy a short orientation drive through the city before gathering for an informational briefing with introductory remarks by an educational leader. In the evening, travel to Old Havana for a welcome dinner.February 2 - Sunday
Enjoy a presentation and discussion from a representative from the City Historian’s Office. Walk through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Old Havana to view the city’s Colonial architecture and historic squares, including Habana Vieja and Calle Obispo. Meet with Miguel Coyula, a representative from UNEAC Commission on the City, Culture and Architecture, to discuss the city’s preservation efforts.February 3 - Monday
Guided by an architect, tour Havana and view examples of restoration projects. Visit the University of Havana and engage in one-on-one discussion with students and staff in a group setting. Explore Instituto Superior de Arte to experience one of the country’s most outstanding examples of post-revolution architecture.February 4 - Tuesday
Visit the Cementerio de Colon complemented with a walking discussion by a specialist, the Corona cigar factory with an expert guide, an organopónico, an urban organic garden, to learn about Cuba’s emerging agricultural sector, and Ludwig Foundation of Cuba, a private foundation which supports both art and theater projects. Visitors will have the opportunity to converse with both local Cuban artists and from other countries who have, come to Cuba to absorb styles and share ideas with the local art community.February 5 - Wednesday
Depart for the culturally rich city of Cienfuegos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and learn how the local architecture has influenced the prosperity of sugar, tobacco, and fruit trade. Enjoy a musical performance of the Choir of Cienfuegos and gather for a discussion with the choir members.February 6 - Thursday
Depart for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trinidad. Enjoy an orientation walk by a city historian and visit with business people who live and work in the historic buildings.February 7 - Friday
Visit the fishing village of Cojimar, the inspiration for Ernest Hemingway’s famous novel, The Old Man and the Sea. Tour Finca Vigía, Ernest Hemingway’s home, and learn about the 12-acre property that contains original furniture, artwork, personal memorabilia, and other artifacts collected by the author. Discuss the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s involvement in past and present preservation projects underway at the house before enjoying a farewell reception.

Special Offer!
Mention Historic Hotels of America when booking your tour and receive three $100 gift certificates, each good toward a $100 refund when you book through HistoricHotels.org and stay for at least two-nights at a Historic Hotels of America hotel.*

*Maximum of one $100 certificate may be claimed for a refund with a minimum two night stay booked through HistoricHotels.org following the return of your tour and completion of your hotel stay. The refund will be issued within 45 days of the completion of your stay upon submitting a Great Experiences & Tours $100 refund application. Refund application must be submitted with a copy of your hotel folio receipt, the original confirmation number from your booking on HistoricHotels.org, and the Certificate number issued to you for booking your tour through Historic Hotels of America. Certificates issued are a promotion only valid toward future reservations made through HistoricHotels.org and do not have any cash value. One certificate may be used per room per two night or longer stay at the same hotel. Eligible rates include rates publicly available at time of booking. Reduced rates, rooms included in another travel or tour package, employee rates, advance purchase rates, and certain last minute sale rates are not eligible for this promotion.